Summit Family Orthodontics Blog

Braces may help create a beautiful, straight smile, but a retainer helps maintain your smile long after your ‘braces’ job is complete. Although it may be hard to tell at first, the advantages of wearing a retainer go way beyond keeping your teeth in place. Learn about the reasons why you need a retainer and make sure you and your child keep your retainer safe by keeping it clean and in sight at all times. Straight Smile Retainers are often used as the last step in the orthodontic treatment for […]READ MORE

The holidays can be a tricky time for people with braces. Temptations can run wild as you walk up to that dinner table and see all those delicious holiday dishes. Be careful! You never know what will get stuck in between those brackets, or worse yet – damage your braces! How do you find your way through a tasteful feast? Use this guide before digging in. Foods to Avoid: Candy Canes They are the face of the holidays, but they are also a threat to your braces. They’re hard to […]READ MORE

Braces have been creating beautiful smiles for many years, and they still work just as effectively. In short, braces work by applying continuous pressure on your teeth over a long period of time, shifting them in the right direction. But there’s more than meets the eye: The Components To understand exactly how braces work, we must know the components. Brackets: Small squares bonded directly to the front of each tooth. They hold the arch wires that move the teeth. Arch Wires: Attach to the brackets and act as tracks that […]READ MORE

You know what they say – breakfast is the most important meal of the day! But what happens when you’re mouth is aching from braces? Don’t skimp on the healthy stuff – here braces-friendly breakfast foods that will soothe both your appetite and your pains: Soft Foods Choosing softer breakfast foods are beneficial for those with braces, as they are easy to chew and swallow. Sometimes a liquid diet is necessary, but most of the time, these foods will suffice: Hot cereals like oatmeal and grits Soft breads and muffins […]READ MORE

Protecting your teeth can be pesky enough as it is. But add braces into the picture and it becomes a completely different ballgame. From brushing to flossing and chewing, there are many things to consider. But don’t stress – we’re here to help! Brushing While hygienists recommend brushing twice daily, when you have braces, you should brush after every meal – even that midnight snack. The reason because it’s easy for food particles to get trapped in your braces, causing them to linger between the gaps and increasing your chances […]READ MORE

Excellent orthodontic treatment is few and far between. At Summit Family Orthodontics, we believe you should take proper steps to a smile your love. But you should smile through the process too. That is why we have these six awesome amenities and more to make the experience of getting braces a fun one: From movies to delicious treats, we offer awesome amenities including: Netflix – Enjoy movies and shows to pass the time. Slushees – Sip on a cup of deliciousness to satisfy your tastebuds and sooth your aches. Digital […]READ MORE

Thanksgiving is just a week away! So close to being able to enjoy a festive meal with family. But what about those with braces? Let’s face it: having metal wires in your mouth isn’t fun when it comes to eating some of your favorite foods. But luckily, there are plenty of yummy alternatives you can enjoy instead. You just have to know the (flexible) rules: Rule #1: Stay away from the crunchy stuff Crunchy foods can be delicious. But if you bite down too hard on your braces, you might […]READ MORE

Let’s face it: braces are essential to a wholesome smile, but metal wires aren’t fun for anyone. Luckily with the latest dental technology, we now have invisible options such as Invisalign®. These braces are capable of correcting a wide variety of malocclusion issues, including gaps, crowding, overbites, underbites, and more. Here is why we love them so much: Advantages Wire free: With a smooth appearance, braces have never been more desirable. We’re talking about improving your dental health without having to deal with all the metal. Convenience: So you have […]READ MORE

A message to all children: so you found out you need braces and now you’re worried about what they’ll look like and how you’re going to feel. Many of us have been there before! It’s easy to think about all the negatives, but here are a few reasons you should actually embrace your braces: 1. You’ll have healthier teeth How many kids can say they have healthy teeth? Not many. Not only will braces straighten out a crooked smile, but they will also lead to a healthier smile. Think about […]READ MORE

If your child’s teeth look misaligned? Whether they’re unhappy with the appearance of their teeth or you notice that their bite looks off, here are ways you can be sure your child can benefit from seeing an orthodontist: Class I: The connection between the upper and lower teeth is vital to the presence and function of your bite. If the two seem unaligned, consider visiting your local orthodontist. Class II: Your child has an “overbite”. This means the first molar is positioned more toward the back of the mouth and […]READ MORE